Suspended driver enters plea in deadly crash

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The driver charged with homicide in a deadly crash on Route 460 in September 2013 appeared in court Thursday morning.

WAVY News’ Erin Kelly was in the courtroom as Ronald Quesenberry III entered an Alford plea on charges of involuntary manslaughter, driving on a suspended license that was suspended because of DUI, reckless driving that resulted in death and operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock system.

An Alford plea means Quesenberry does not admit guilt, but admits the evidence could convict him.

Quesenberry was also charged with felony homicide, but prosecutors said that charge will be continued until sentencing in May and will be withdrawn as part of the plea deal.

On Sept. 18, 48-year-old Thomas David Rush of Virginia Beach was killed in the 4700 block of Route 460, also known as Pruden Boulevard. The deadly crash involved two tractor-trailers and six passenger vehicles.

Several victims in the crash were rushed to local hospitals by ground and by air for treatment.

Rush’s family was not in the courtroom Thursday. Quesenberry’s family declined to comment, but a lawyer said the plea deal was a difficult decision. The defense said it plans to call witnesses at sentencing who will testify that another driver forced Quesenberry out of his lane.